So my truck overheats. It never gets to the red line, but gets close. It just runs VERY hot, not actually overhearing. I've replaced the thermo w/ a Hypertech 160* while doing my Hughes plate switch, the coolant temp sensors (both) and the coolant. I've burped the system and gotten all the bubbles out. I also thought maybe the oil could be old and not providing sufficient lube, which would cause the block to be hotter too. I know the waterpump works, no leaks, and when the thermo opens, that coolant really moves.

Any suggestions?

 

What's your rad look like, have you ever washed all the shyt out of it?

 

So what's your definition or "very hot"? What temp does it get to and what temp is normal for you truck?

 

is there a roaring type sound? if so fan clutch.

does your oil look contaminated? cracked head maybe?

and i wouldnt go with a 160* stat, go with 180 or 195*. i have the 195* and it stays at 195 consistantly, with no flux.

 

Get the timing checked. My truck runs hot and I was pulling my hair out trying to understand *WHY* even though I had rebuilt the engine, had a new radiator and installed a rebuilt and then new water pump. I went through two thermostats (stock) that both tested fine in a pot of hot water. The so-called "advice" people gave me was to go with a cooler thermostat which isn't going to solve the issue of running hot. I finally had the timing checked and discovered it's 9.7º advanced. Now that I know the problem I have to get a reprogrammed PCM.

 

No kidding?! I was following you "overheating thread" a while back and it had me perplexed as to what you problem really was. Glad to here you got that squared away.

 

Thanks, and now you'll understand why I get ticked at people who don't stop and diagnose but just throw parts *****-nilly into the mix. It also irks me when I try to explain to (some) people (here) that running a "colder" thermostat isn't going to make a vehicle run cooler and if they believe it does then they are fooling themselves.

I may have shot myself in the foot from the start, as I believe my dad may have told me it was timing; however, I explained to him that the timing on the Dodge cannot be adjusted as it's controlled by the PCM. *sigh* The one time I should have sought out someone with a scanner. Either way, I learned something and honed my troubleshooting skills.

 

...your preachin' to the choir. Either way, that's a new one for the books.

 

ok here's some clarifications:

1. When I drained the coolant originally from the rad, it looks brand new, not brownish at all (which means no rust or oil).
2. The radiator itself looks newer and in great shape
3. I didn't mean to type 160* thermo, it's a 180*. I bought it from Hughes the same time as my plate.
4. I will certainly check my timing too! thats a good idea!

 

if my timing is off, by a significant amount, how could that happen?